God's Promise to His LGBTQ+ Children (with Charlie & Ben)
In this week’s OPEN Up episode, Ben and Charlie discuss the concept of deliverance, drawing parallels between the ancient Israelites and the LGBTQ+ community. They explore how the Spirit can push us to act, even when the path is difficult, scary or uncertain. They also acknowledge the trailblazers who helped pave the way for our deliverance and how knowing that others will follow in our footsteps influences our choices.
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46:39
Building Zion as LGBTQ+ Saints and Allies (with Patrick Mason)
What does it take to build Zion?This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton sits down with Patrick Mason, professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University, to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 51-70. These sections follow the early Saints as they moved to Missouri to establish Zion.Clare and Patrick explore what Zion really means and the effort required to create it: We must radically change our hearts and become rooted charity, inclusion and abundance to form a community where of all God’s children feel at home.
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1:02:08
A Gay Brazilian's Take on Rainbows, Raindrops, and Divine Identity (with Icaro Paraguassú)
OUT and About: Iese Wilson sits down with Icaro Paraguassú, who shares his experiences as a gay Latter-Day Saint from Brazil. They discuss faith, identity, diversity, and the need for resources that reach every language and culture.Icaro reflects on the rainbow as both a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and a covenant with God, and how we each reflect the light of Christ in our own way. His rainbow pin opens conversations and offers quiet reassurance to those seeking belonging.From a mission in Argentina to a leadership academy in the Czech Republic, Icaro’s story is a reminder that while our paths may differ, we’re all journeying back to the same heavenly home.
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1:08:31
How Two Parents Built What They Were Praying to Find (with Sara & Bryce Cook)
In this heartfelt ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Sara and Bryce Cook, parents of two gay sons and founding members of ALL (Arizona LDS LGBT). After their sons came out, Bryce and Sara felt called to speak up, build bridges, and foster community. They hosted support groups in their home and organized an annual conference for LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating faith and identity. Their efforts laid the foundation for many of the other groups and events we’ve highlighted in previous episodes of the podcast. Bryce and Sara share the powerful story of their family’s journey and discuss how parents also have their own “coming out” process—one of unlearning and rediscovering what it means to love like Christ.
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Ben Reflects on Being Denied a Temple Recommend (with Ben & Charlie)
This month on OPEN Up, Ben shares a deeply personal story about navigating the reactions of his local Church leadership after he performed a same-sex wedding. Ben and Charlie discuss the scrutiny that LGBTQ+ Latter-Day Saints often face and how others Church members can help them feel seen.
All Out in the Open is a resource for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and those who love them. Our goal is to help listeners connect with themselves, with their families, with their community, and with God. Hosts Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty help listeners open up to themselves and those around them. Clare Dalton digs into the scriptures and teaches how they can be a catalyst for personal revelation. Iese Wilson takes listeners on a tour of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints all over the Church and introduces us to modern day pioneers. Michael Soto and Liz Macdonald highlight the amazing work of those who are building and strengthening their communities. Learn more at www.alloutintheopen.org.